Riccardo Calafiori’s future has been among the major talking points this summer, with the highly-rated Bologna defender pursued by several top clubs. Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano now claims Arsenal have agreed on a deal to sign the 22-year-old from the Rossoblu.
Back-to-back Premier League runners-up will reportedly pay Bologna €40 million plus another €5m in add-ons to bring Calafiori to the Emirates Stadium. But there’s one final detail missing before the former Basel rearguard can sign a contract in North London.
Arsenal and Bologna have yet to iron out the percentage of a sell-on clause. There’s an understanding Vincenzo Italiano’s charges insist on receiving 50% from Calafiori’s future sale. Though the Gunners are looking for a lower percentage, that’s a deal-breaker.
It means Arsenal will eventually accept the terms. Mikel Arteta is a keen admirer of Calafiori and wants to make the Bologna star his first marquee summer signing. Previously wanted by Juventus, the Italian center-back has prioritized a move to England despite being courted by his former manager, Thiago Motta.
Motta established Calafiori as a household name in Serie A last season, turning him from a left-back to a dependable center-half. After swapping Bologna for Juventus at the beginning of the summer, he was eager to take his pupil to Turin. However, the Bianconeri couldn’t meet Bologna’s lofty demands.
Once Arsenal entered the frame, there was no longer a chance for Juventus. After offloading Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United, Bologna will complete another big-money sale, with another Renato Dall’Ara star set for a Premier League move.
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